Customer Reviews

Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I, like the average person get riled when I hear the word, but consider the sources. Now, Randall has put together a fantastic piece of work here that I take as a contribution, and suggest every person that has the same feelings as I have to read this. Yes I am Black, but not a N....r. Those using the word would benefit from this book, that's why I love it, I believe Randall did in fact write this book in an authoritive and intelligent way to help, or contribute to those people who need to come to reality, this book is so much of that. Read it to help those.

I wish to recommend a real book that goes a step beyond this and will help all reach our goals, SB 1 by Karl Mark Maddox

This book is a Godsend! Randall Kennedy is a genius! I sincerely hope that as many people as possible read this book. In my opinion, this ranks as one of the most revolutionary books ever written about American language to date; it has helped me more clearly understand the 'fangs of the viper'. Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word, methodically dissects the N-word to show the deliberate and diabolical social engineering that was used to transform nigger into one of the most explosive words in American history. At the same time, the book holds out the idea that change may, at sometime in the future, be possible; that one day our children will look at the fossilized remains of this little word and wonder, "What was the big deal?"

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

What's in a name? "Nigger" by Randall Kennedy, a Harvard Professor, challenges the reader to ask this very question. What's profound about this book is how the author provides substantive information to help the readers answer the question as it pertains to one of the most emotionally charged words in the English language.

What is the social and political ramification of the use of the "N" word? In addition, what are the long-range effects, including economically of its usage? Well, these items, among others, are covered in Kennedy's upcoming book (January 15, 2002). But, what struck me most was the common use of examples to answer these points. Although, at times a quarry of legal cases, "Nigger" gives a balanced account of the "N" word and its effects throughout history.

One of the most detrimental uses of the "N" word has come, in recent history, from some of our own tongue. In fact, Tawana Brawley's case has now become one the shining examples of the "crying wolf" phenomenon. The fact that the "N" word has been used to falsify charges, to "extort" money or gain fame, can be cited as one cause for whites becoming more leery and desensitized to the use and harmfulness of the word.

Although by far, common vernacular is one of the most pervasive uses of the "N" word. Can the usage of the word "N" word change it from a negative connotation to a positive? In greeting each other and attempting to use the "N" word as an everyday phrase, we frequently confuse white, Latinos, etc. The practice is so pervasive modern day musicians like J-Lo and Kid Rock have used the word in their lyrics. But, why is their usage of the word offensive while Jay-Z and other popular rappers are considered "hip?" I am sure the answer would be that what we say among ourselves as African-Americans does not give "outsiders" license to use the "N" word. But, how can we censor the usage of the "N" word when we continue to flaunt it? I, neither Kennedy, presume to truly know the answer but the question is definitely worth asking.

Personally, I think that we should not attempt to own a word, which has never created anything but unnecessary drama for our people. I construe the common usage as a possible step back in civil rights for African-Americans. Because of the diminishment of the significance of the use of the "n" word, the ability of African-Americans and others to link its use to the commission of a hate crimes, its part in racial profiling, its place in the exclusion of minorities from economic opportunities, and the denial of legal recourse for African-Americans, we should refrain from claiming this imposed baggage.

When debating the "N" word in the black community, it is clear that we are a people constantly combating the confines of the "labels" we have been given throughout history.

Is it as simple as following Randall Kennedy's mother's advice: "not to fall apart when you hear the word?" I don't know. What's in a name? In and of itself, nothing. Like most words, it is the emotion attached to the word that makes the difference.

I believe, we should, as the book "Nigger" guides, try to determine what society makes of the "N" word and how it this word impacts us as a people before we attempt to embrace it in everyday speech.

Most importantly, the book "Nigger" encourages the reader to be literate, stay aware, stay sure-footed and on the path to equality, not just in name but in opportunity.

In a society whose thriving diversity often collides head-on with political correctness, an enormous amount of courage and wisdom is required to discuss what one California prosecutor called "the filthiest, dirtiest, nastiest word in the English language" - nigger.

Randall Kennedy, a Harvard Law School professor and former law clerk for Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, demonstrates his courage and wisdom by taking on the dangerous subject of the "N-word" in his book, Nigger - The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word (Pantheon Books, 2002).

Kennedy examines the origins of the word and the many uses of the word. He examines the hateful use of the word by white supremacists, the ironic use of the word by black comedians, and the attempts by some to transform the word from a racist insult into something positive.

Kennedy looks at several court cases in which "nigger" played a prominent role. The cases, both civil and criminal, reveal a tragic and shameful part of American history, as well as a troubling overreaction to correct the wrongs of the past by engaging in what amounts to unconstitutional censorship.

Kennedy puts forth his opinions with clarity, and refrains from indulging in the incendiary rhetoric that often disrupts any intelligent discussion on this controversial topic. His opinions are based on two key factors - his impressive legal career, and his life as an African American citizen in the United States of America.

While Kennedy points out that certain public servants who use "nigger" as an insult or racist remark deserve public condemnation, he also takes issue with the activists who attempted to coerce Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary into removing the word from its pages. "Nigger should have a place in any serious dictionary," says Kennedy. "The word is simply too important to ignore."

Kennedy also decries efforts to remove Mark Twain's classic Huckleberry Finn from schools. While "nigger" appears in the text 215 times, Kennedy argues that the book is not racist, but a compelling condemnation of racism. "Twain is not willfully buttressing racism here; he is seeking ruthlessly to unveil and ridicule it. By putting 'nigger' in white characters' mouths, the author is not branding blacks, but rather branding the whites."

Kennedy's book is an important work, and an invaluable contribution to improving understanding among the races. While its very title will no doubt cause the book to be excluded from the shelves of many libraries and book stores, "Nigger" deserves to be read. Introducing the book to senior high school students, with mature guidance from teachers, will help to build a foundation of awareness that students will carry with them into college, the workplace, and most importantly, the home.

As a boy, I remember a relative who jokingly declared after a long car trip, "Last one out of the car is a nigger!" Countless readers can no doubt recall similar - and more hurtful - incidents from their lives. After reading Kennedy's book, I now have a greater appreciation for the impact of such casual remarks, and I understand the impact of his conclusion, "For bad and for good, 'nigger' is thus destined to remain with us for many years to come - a reminder of the ironies and dilemmas, the tragedies and the glories, of the American experience."

As someone who has spent nearly a decade writing about race relations in the U.S., I couldn't read this book fast enough.

Kennedy offers a well-timed examination of a word that appears to be experiencing a revival of public usage. I didn't agree with all of his conclusions, but the book certainly provokes critical thought. I especially appreciated the section that lays out how the word has been considered by the U.S. courts.

This book should be mandatory reading for all Americans. It is a worthy addition to any to high school or college social studies syllabus, and a good choice for book clubs that welcome heated debate.

I used this book as my primary source for a school presentation. The book was informative and really made me think about the word nigger, its origin and its uses. Randall Kennedy includes a bunch of anecdotes and quotations from people we recognize (and some we don't) in order to show the impact of 'nigger' on humanity. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially blacks, as it opened my eyes and the eyes of my presentation's audience, the majority of which was white. As the lone black man in my high school class, I wanted to bring something new to my white schoolmates, but to my surprise, I learned a lot as well.

I received this title as a recommendation in one of those pesky little e-mails Amazon sends me periodically. I was intridged by the title and took a look at it. I ended up buying it and was I glad I did.

The full title really says it all, "Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word". Mr. Kennedy delves into nearly all aspects of the word (at least what I can think of). From it's history, it's place in jokes and popular culture, to it's pure offensiveness and the role it plays in law. The point of the book is not a who should use the word or when. Kennedy does offer his opinions and you will probably be surprised to read them.

I was totally enlightened by this book. In my reading I became somewhat desensitized to the word. After all it is just a word. Then again, I don't use nigger in daily conversation. There really is no need to. Just saying the word in any context would likely offend most people within earshot. I don't think people should be scared of the word either. If I hear the word, I don't get upset. I hear complaints from white folk all the time, "why can they use it, and not us!?!" To that I say, "who cares?" Would you really feel any better if you did?

So, if you want to learn a lot about the most controversial word in the English language, pick up a copy of this book.

Randall Kennedy, a Princeton and Yale educated African American (AA) Harvard Law School professor, is the author of the renowned book: Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word.

In the spirit of his legal background, Kennedy methodically organizes the book into three main sections: The first attempts to define the word and discusses the historical and modern day uses of it particularly in the areas of entertainment (comedy, rap, poetry, etc.). He takes the reader back to the historical roots of the word and its original meaning to firmly establish that the n-word was intentionally used to inflict insult or to humiliate and belittle its victims. The first 40 pages cite numerous examples of how the racial epitaph has been recorded throughout American history in the educational, legal, and political institutions.

The second section deals with the use of the n-word in the American judicial system and provides interesting discussion on the legalities surrounding the use of the n-word as a "fighting word" and as justification for physical retaliation (even as a defense strategy for murder). He discusses the impact that racist views of defendants and litigants can have on court rulings. He spends a lot of time referencing legalities of when the word can be entered into evidence in a court of law and cites several instances including the infamous O.J. Simpson case in which Mark Fuhrman perjured himself when asked if he had ever used the n-word. Kennedy also covers the difficulties AA's face when suing on the grounds of racial discrimination. The author's knowledge of the law proved invaluable for this section because he shared his insight and perspective on the intricacies behind these controversial cases. The third section of the book addresses a myriad of modern day issues such as the debate surrounding censorship of the word, the campaign against Merriam-Webster regarding the definition of the word, use of the word in the company of non-AA persons, etc.

Although a small book in physical size, it is packed full of hundreds of factual accounts of well-documented real-life cases that one can research independently for more details. Throughout the book, Kennedy offers a solid discussion on the differing schools of thought between the "eradicationists", those who maintain that all uses of the word are wrongful and hurtful, and those of a more tolerant group who support use of the term in its proper context. This reader personally enjoyed the discussion that paralleled Amos 'n' Andy to Def Comedy Jam and author's choice to include viewpoints of the AA intelligentsia of yesteryear and today: Langston Hughes, Bill Cosby, Roy Wilkes, Countee Cullen, Thurgood Marshall, Julianne Malveaux, and others.

Disappointingly the author does not provide a conclusion or any formative recommendations, however, he clearly establishes that the n-word has been embedded in our culture for a very long time and will remain so as long as there is an America.

Reviewed by Phyllis
APOOO BookClub, Nubian Circle Book Club

I vividly remember the media attention this book received upon publication. Being interested in race relations in the United States, I have eagerly anticipated reading NIGGER: THE STRANGE CAREER OF A TROUBLESOME WORD. In this slim book Randall Kennedy investigates the social history of Nigger, a racial slur used for centuries to bring insult and degradation upon the Black population particularly in the Jim Crow South. Kennedy portrays examples from songs, court hearings, and his own personal history to document how Nigger has permeated American culture. Examining current usages of Nigger, Kennedy provides the thesis that although the word continues to be a racial slur it has also evolved into a sign of camaraderie among Blacks. Individuals have turned the negative into a positive in the face of America's racial past. Essentially Kennedy argues that in contemporary America the word Nigger projects a dual meaning in American culture.

With all that said, my problem with NIGGER stems from the fact that it fails to offer any new information. Individuals knowledgeable of American history should already be familiar with Kennedy's arguments concerning the usage and extent of the word Nigger. In addition, anyone observant of American culture can witness how Nigger has been transformed into a word of positive associations. Kennedy's etymology of Nigger is interesting but can be easily investigated in a similar fashion in a dictionary of American English. I really wanted to learn more about American history and society by reading this book but unfortunately NIGGER only reverberated what I already knew. So why does this book result in much praise and attention? I believe this is due to enabling individuals to read about a word that is so much scorned in our language and society. White individuals are forbidden to use this word in fear of strong repercussions, so what better why to read about Nigger than this book. NIGGER provides a socially accepted avenue to learn about Black history. Believe me, I really wanted to be a fan of this book but I was utterly left feeling disappointed.

What I expected was some sort of "Angry black man' book. What was interesting is that he let the facts speak for themselves; keeping a lot of his personal views out of it. His writing style definitely revealed a bad taste in his mouth but he kept true to why he was writing this. I read this cover to cover (repeating a chapter or 4) with in a week. Normally I read 3 books at a time but this one demanded my attention. I read that a lot of people find this book inadequate. If they want to think so - fine. However, no single 208 page book is going to be able to nail this subject down perfectly. He had made his point profoundly and left a person wanting more; which is a sign of a good author.